By Lisa Kimura
What’s one of the best gifts you can give your baby? The gift of gab! Babies are constantly absorbing and processing language, and the more words they hear, the more opportunities they have to make sense of the world around them.
It may be hard to transform in to a chatterbox right away, but encourage your child’s caregivers and people in your household to illustrate the world around them with words. Talk about what you’re pulling out of the fridge to eat; the colors of the clothes you’re folding; or the animals and plants you see on a neighborhood walk. There’s always plenty to say once you get in the habit of talking about what you’re seeing, feeling and experiencing.
The more you vary your tone and intonation, the more your child learns how to exchange conversation. Wait for baby to coo or babble back, and continue on; narrating what’s happening around you throughout the day. It doesn’t matter that you don’t get much of a response, but giving your baby an opportunity to take part in a conversation encourages language development. The more they’re exposed to a variety of words, the better; with research showing that it leads to future academic and economic success.
It seems simple, and really, it is. Just talk! Your baby is listening.
Need more ideas on how to help your baby develop as healthy as possible during pregnancy and through the first year? Download the new Text4baby app, or text “BABY” to 511411 to enroll in the text messaging service. You’ll receive customized information each week, timed to your baby’s age and development. The free app also offers additional content and interactive features, including a weekly planning list of medical, developmental and lifestyle items.
Remember, there are also services and resources such as Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies’ MothersCare Line. This confidential phone line can answer questions, provide support, or point you in the direction of local services. Call: (808) 951-6660 or toll-free: (888) 951-6661 for assistance, or visit www.hmhb-hawaii.org
Lisa Kimura is the Executive Director of Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies Coalition of Hawaii. Contact her at [email protected] or (808) 737-5805
